“Visual beauty plus the beauty of closeness in sad times. Cuddle close for this one.”
–Kirkus (Starred review)
Before We Sleep
By Giorgio Volpe & Paolo Proietti
$17.99
28 pages • Hardcover • Ages 4-8
8.5” x 11.625" • ISBN: 978-1-63655-004-6
Translated by Angus Yuen-Killick
A red fox and a gray dormouse joyfully play in their forest home as the season begins to change from fall to winter.
Soon, the dormouse must hibernate, and the friends will part. As the time for sleep nears, the fox tries to keep the dormouse awake. Sleep indeed must come, but not before the two friends have shared one last story, knowing they will be together again in the spring.
This gentle friendship story is the perfect allegory for the bedtime ritual. And the reassuring message is clear: “I will be there for you when you wake.”
“A touching, beautifully illustrated story.
The storytelling is gentle, full of love and yearning; the muted colors in the artwork let Fox’s bright coat stand out beautifully against the encroaching gray of Winter. Dormouse’s tilted head and soft words show a kindness and love for a friend; body language that immediately sends a comforting signal to readers. A lovely story of friendship and the fear of separation and loss; a warm feeling of knowing that your friends will be there when you open your eyes. Think about this one for possible grief and loss resources, too.
— Momreadit.com
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“It’s charming, surprising, and relatable. Young readers will love this book, but I can guarantee that adult readers will as well.”
— Jenabenton.com
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“A sweet little tale of the power of friendship.”
— Cracking The Cover
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“This endearing story, with the muted, dreamy illustrations will grab your heart. You’ll feel the two friends’ joy as they play, Hazel’s sleepiness as she curls up inside her cozy teapot, Little Red’s hope that perhaps this year Hazel’s nap will be a short one and most of all the love they have for one another. It’s a perfect bedtime story for your little ones, especially for those who might need assurances you’ll be there when they wake up.”
— Red Canoe Reader
Click on the image below to see the full animated storybook version of Before We Sleep now on Vooks.com.
Giorgio Volpe
Giorgio Volpe was born in, Germany, but grew up in the Calabria region of Italy. He has lived in Barcelona, Paris, and now Rome, which has been his home for more than a decade.
Giorgio Volpe has a degree in literature and philosophy from the University of Rome where his thesis focused on children’s theater experiences in Italy and France. In 2014 he founded the theater company Giù di Sù per Giù which has produced several plays he has written including Martina 3 Nocciolino (2014), Standby – l’attesa (2018), Anfotero (2018) and Cercasi befana (2020). To his credits as an actor and playwright, he adds children’s book author. He has written a several titles. Before We Sleep is his first book to be published in English. Giorgio Volpe also loves art, traveling, eating cakes, the cold of winter and reading a lot. When asked “What type of person are you?”, Volpe replies: “I’m a hyperactive creative.”
Paolo Proietti
Paolo Proietti was born in Rome in 1986. Passionate about manga and anime since childhood, he attended the art school and a course in graphics and visual communication at the International School of Comics in Rome. Only after a few years he became passionate about reading for children and in 2016 he won the Scarpetta d ’oro Award with his illustration. Since 2018 he has worked with several publishing houses. He has already published seven picture books. Paolo’s greatest source of inspiration are the works of Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most accomplished filmmakers in the history of animation.
Giorgio sends greetings from Italy